Say no to sag law

No matter how much you wish government could do, one thing it should not do is create a community dress code.

While Monroe citizen Earlene Bryant's threat to show up naked at the next City Council meeting was an interesting way to make a point about her desire for the council to pass an ordinance banning saggy pants, she would actually violate the city's obscenity ordinance by doing so.

We agree with Bryant that no one really wants to see someone's underwear, but we are reminded about recent conversations around the country to ban wearing caps backward, bandanas and hoodie sweatshirts. In each case, these are community reactions to criminal activity.

The Louisiana Legislature attempted in 2004 to pass a law banning sagging pants and the display of "plumber's crack." Even there, wisdom prevailed and the proposed law died.

If we were going to legislate fashion crimes, there would be a very long list, and it would vary by the season and age demographic.

Is it, for instance, any less offensive by community standards for someone to wear clothing that exposes a glimpse of other undergarments?

The council was correct in its discussion about a proposed saggy pants ordinance.

Government would be overstepping its authority, creating an enforcement nightmare for law enforcement and establishing a negative opportunity for law enforcement profiling.

Fashion doesn't always concur with community sensibilities, but we are fortunate that fashion is fleeting, and this trend too shall pass.

The best police officers for what a young person wears are named Mama and Daddy, and barring their influence, other authority figures in a young person's life.

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Say no to sag law

No matter how much you wish government could do, one thing it should not do is create a community dress code.While Monroe citizen Earlene Bryant's threat to show up naked at the next City Council